Locking and dispensing crate for bottles and carboys.



PATENTED GCT. l0, 1905.

J. G. LBTTELIER.

' LOCKING AND DISPBNSINGCRATB FOR BOTTLES AND CARBOYS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 22, 1904.

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'desirably bolts,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN G. LETTELIER, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented oct. 1o, 1905.

Application filed August 22,1904. Serial No. 221,625.

To f//ZZ whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN Gr. LETTELIER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented a new and useful Locking and Dispensing Crate for Bottles and Oarboys, of which the following is a specification. y

This invention relates tothe form of crate adapted for use as a carrier or holder for a bottle in storag'e or transportation and being also adapted for use in dispensing Huid from the bottle.

The main object of the present invention is to provide in connection with such a crate key-operated locking means for locking the same in closed position, so as to protect the contents thereof from use by unauthorized persons.

Another object of the invention is to so oonstruct the crate as to give a strong' construction when closed, especially suitable for transportation and for protection against unauthorized use. 'c

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective of the crate in closed and locked position. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the crate open and in condition for dispensing'.

1 designates the body or principal member of the crate, and 2 the cover or closure member thereof. Said closure member is pivotally connected to body 1, as by means of arms 3 on said closure member pivoted at 4 to the body member, the pivots beinglocated'intermediate the upper and lower ends of the member 1 in such manner that the cover member 2 can be swung either to the top of member 1, as shown in Fig'. 1, or to the bottom thereof, as shown in Fig. 2.

The crate-body 1 is desirably formed as an open-work box structure having vertical corner-pieces 5 and slats 6 inclosing it on the sides and bottom. 5 designates the usual resilient strips attached to the corner-pieces.

The cover member 2 may also be formed as an open-ended box, the sides and closed end thereof being formed of the slats 7, secured together to forni an open work structure. The supporting-arms 3 are secured to the sides 7 and extend on each side of the main body member 1, being pivoted to the side slats 6 thereof at about the center or midheight of said body member. Pivots 4C are so that the cover member can be detached from the sired.

It will be understood that when the cover member 2 is swung into position above the bod)1 member 1 it will act as a cover or closure therefor, and to retain it in this position suitable stops and locking means are provided-for example, stops'or abutments 8, secured at the top of the body member on each side, engaging with the rear edge of the arms 3 when the cover is swung up, and a lock consisting, for example, of a hasp 9 on the cover member engaging a staple 10 on the body member 1, and a padlock 11 engaging the staple to prevent disengagement of the parts except by authorized persons.

The cover member 2 swings above the top of the crate-body 1 sufficiently to enable it to clear the corner thereof on one side; but on the other side the crate-body may have an upward extension 12 on one side and partial extensions 13 on the adjacent sides to meet the cover member when closed and give a stronger construction. The staple 1() is desirably secured to the extension 12.

When the cover is held in its upper position, as above described, the device is in condition for use in shipping or storing the bottle or carboy.

When the contents of the bottle are to be dispensed, the padlock 11 is unlocked and the hasp 9 is unfastened from staple 10. The cover 2 is swung forwardly until it touches the iioor. Then by pulling the crate-body forwardly and upwardly it is caused to ride on the supports 3 and to come into position above the cover, as indicated in Fig. 2, in which position the cover member acts as a base for supporting the body member 1, and the said body member is left free to turn on the pivots 4, so that it may be tipped to enable the dispensing of the fluid from the bottle. The pivots 4 are desirably located about midway of the width of the body member 1, so that the latter with its contents will approximately balance on these pivots.

The details of construction above described may be variously modified Without departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim is- 1. A crate for the purpose set forth, comprising a body member, a cover member provided with arms which are pivotally connected to the body member to swing to either end thereof, and to act as a closure when at one end and as a supporting-base when at the body member when de-v TOO IIO

other end, the body member having a stop on each side to engage With said arms, and. an upward extension at one side to meet the cover member and interengaginglocking devices on said extension, and on the cover member.

2. A crate for the purpose set forth, comprising a body member, a cover member pivotally connected with the body member to swing to either end thereof, stop means limit'mg the closing movement of the cover member, and key-operated means for looking the cover in position to close the crate.

3. A crate for the purpose set forth, comprising a body member, a cover member'having arms extending at each side of the body member and pivotally connected thereto to allow the cover member to swing to top or bottom of the body member, and said body member having an extension at one side to meet the cover member, and means for locking the cover member to the body member.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, at Los Angeles, California, this 12th day of August, 1904.

JOHN G. LETTELIER.

In presence of ARTHUR P. KNIGHT, A. M. HOLLY. 

